#7, Dynaudio DM 2/8 ($975/pair)

The made in Denmark Dynaudio DM 2/8's soundstage is open, wide, and deep. But don't for a second let the DM 2/8's reserve and class lead you to think it can't get down and boogie, it offers truly stunning bass performance for a mid-size bookshelf speaker.

#5, Totem Arro ($1,350/pair)

Totem Acoustic's Arro is a small, but powerful tower speaker. Just 5.1 inches wide and 33.5 high, the built in Canada Arro can unfurl a huge, room filling soundstage. Great for home theater and two-channel music.

#4, Thiel CS 1.6 ($2,390/pair)

Jim Thiel takes his time designing new models, but once it's introduced a new speaker stays in the line for a long, long time. The CS 1.6 is Thiel's most affordable tower, and it's vivid, highly articulate sound is revered by audiophiles.

#3 Anthony Gallo Acoustics Reference 3.1 ($3,295/pair)

Gallo's Reference 3.1 speaker is loaded with advanced technology and sounds like no other dynamic speaker. The 36 inch tall speaker sounds tremendous, with excellent dynamics. Great for home theater and two-channel.

#2, Zu Audio Druid Mk.IV ($3,400/pair)

Zu Audio's Druid Mk IV was my personal reference speaker for years. The model is nearing the end of its last production run. Zu tells me the replacement model may not appear for awhile. A great, ultra dynamic speaker; the Druid Mk IV can rock the house like no other speaker near its price.

#1: Magnepan MG1.6/QR ($1,895/pair)

Magnepan's MG 1.6/QR is, hands-down, the greatest value in TRUE high-end speakers. It's a flat panel design, standing a statuesque 64.5 inches tall, but just 2 inches thick! The MG 1.6/QR is fussy about where it sits in your room and need gobs of power to really sing, but it's so good!